Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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12 year old girl seeks justice after gang rape by 13 men in Thailand
A 12 year old Thai girl fled the southern province of Narathiwat for help in the central province of Nonthaburi after a gang rape by 13 men, including her older brother’s friends and relatives. The 12 year old victim was accompanied by her 20 year old sister to seek help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after the young…
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Temu enters Thai market, intensifies e-commerce competition
Temu, China’s e-commerce giant, recently entered the Thai market, stirring up competition across both online and offline sectors in Thailand. The move, according to industry experts, is set to intensify cross-border competition, challenging existing players and local businesses alike. Thailand’s e-marketplace has long been dominated by foreign giants like Lazada (owned by Alibaba), Shopee (under Singapore’s SEA), and China’s TikTok…
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Thailand emerges as AI and health tech innovation hub
Venture capitalists are intensifying their focus on investment opportunities in startups centred around artificial intelligence (AI), transformative digital healthcare, and the burgeoning pink technology sector. According to industry experts, Thailand’s robust healthcare, agriculture, and tourism industries, coupled with local companies’ consistent investment in innovation, position the country as a formidable launchpad for startups. Major firms are propelling innovation by investing…
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Thai transwoman arrested for blackmailing teen to produce porn
Police swooped to arrest a Thai transwoman at her home in Bangkok for blackmailing a 17 year old boy into producing porn. A Thai mother sought help from Thailand’s Internet Crimes Against Children on July 30 after her teenage son became depressed and unable to go to school after being allegedly blackmailed by a ladyboy, later identified as 24 year…
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Rayong residents call for construction permit verification
Residents of Ban Khai district in Rayong are urging government officials to verify whether the owner of a local construction project possesses the necessary permits. Concerns were sparked after a Chinese language poster was seen at a construction site for a factory within their community. Adul Akkaraphetpaisarn, an assistant village head, expressed that the village had not been informed of…
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Thai transwoman nabbed in 26 million baht scam targeting Japanese nationals
Metropolitan Police Bureau officers arrested a Thai transwoman yesterday after she scammed 73 Japanese nationals over a ten-year period. The total losses amounted to nearly 26 million baht. The 49 year old Thai transwoman, Uthai “Amy” Nantakhan, was arrested yesterday, August 4, at her condominium in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok. Her arrest followed a report from the latest Japanese…
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Kuwaitis face deportation after Pattaya confrontation with Thais
Pattaya City police have initiated a detailed investigation following a violent confrontation between Thai and Kuwaiti nationals on Soi Yensabai this weekend. The Kuwaiti suspects are facing potential deportation after legal proceedings, according to police sources. The investigation is being led by Deputy Commander of Pattaya Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirach Nuethes, along with Superintendent of Tourist Police Division…
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Ministry serves up a vote: Help ‘dish’ out Thailand’s best local eats
The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced yesterday, August 4, that the nation’s culinary heritage is a significant cultural asset that embodies Thai identity. The ministry launched the Thailand Best…
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10,000-baht scheme will go ahead: PM’s future ‘baht’ a problem
The Government of Thailand confirmed that the implementation of the 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme will proceed regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. This assurance comes amid concerns over the Thai premier’s potential dismissal due to a legal challenge. The 62 year old Thai PM’s position is under scrutiny due to a motion submitted by 40 senators. They…
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Pilot trainer dies in plane crash, family mourns loss
A grieving mother received the body of her son, a pilot trainer who tragically died in a small plane crash. Although devastated, she expressed immense pride in her son, who passed away doing what he loved. Phudit Supawatnakul, a 33 year old flight instructor, perished when his small aircraft crashed into a house within a golf course in Samut Sakhon.…
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Pygmy killer whales rescued in Phuket mangrove forest (video)
A group of pygmy killer whales stranded in Phuket’s mangrove forest prompted urgent action from marine officials. Five whales were rescued, while one tragically died. Pacharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, shared that reports from Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, came in early yesterday, August 3, about six…
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PM Srettha orders Temu to comply with Thai tax laws
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Revenue Department and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to ensure the new Chinese online retailer Temu adheres to Thai regulations and meets tax obligations. The directive aims to address concerns from local industries about the potential influx of inexpensive Chinese products affecting Thai manufacturers. The introduction of Temu, a Chinese e-commerce…
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Motorcyclist dies as tree branch falls on him in Nakhon Nayok
A young man tragically lost his life when a large branch from a peacock flower tree fell on him while he was riding his motorcycle. The incident occurred yesterday, August 3, on Khlong 15 Road in Nakhon Nayok province. The tragic accident was reported to the Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s Ongkharak unit. Rescue teams rushed to the scene on Highway 3005 in…
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Tourist injured in Chumphon resort balcony collapse
A man sustained serious injuries after the balcony he was on collapsed at a resort in Chumphon, leading to concerns about unlicensed accommodation and unresponsive local police. Only the local tourist police offered effective help. On July 27, Yanisa, a 46 year old woman from Phetchaburi, and her husband, 44 year old Piyapol, along with friends, were staying at a…
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Foreign fortune-teller harasses Thai women for money
A foreign fortune-teller has been making a nuisance of himself, persistently approaching Thai women to offer dubious fortune-telling services in exchange for money. The incidents have been reported around Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in Bang Si Mueang, Nonthaburi. Panjarat Limthongcharoen, the 30 year old owner of the Kumati smoothie shop, shared her unsettling experience. Yesterday, August 3, while she was…
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Heavy rain warning for 55 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe rainfall across 55 provinces, particularly affecting the eastern, northern, and northeastern regions, as well as Bangkok. The public has been advised to stay vigilant for potential flash floods and landslides. The TMD forecasts heavy rain due to a moderate southwest monsoon covering the upper Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the upper…
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Suspect in Songkhla evades police checkpoint and fires at officers
A suspect in Songkhla escaped a police checkpoint, fired at pursuing officers, and left a message through a local leader vowing not to surrender. The incident occurred on August 1 at 3.50am, when police released CCTV footage showing the chase at a checkpoint in Hat Yai, Songkhla. Police from the Hat Yai station were conducting a temporary checkpoint at the…
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Police seize 45,000 bottles in counterfeit cough syrup raid
Police raided a major counterfeit cough syrup factory, seizing over 45,000 bottles valued at more than 50 million baht (US$ 1.4 million). The factory, producing up to 20,000 bottles daily, distributed the fake medication popular among youths seeking intoxication. Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap, along with Deputy Commander Anuwat Raksacharoen and Colonel Weerapong Klaitong from the Consumer Protection Police Division…
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Bangkok seizes 1,878 items from Chinese supermarkets
Police in Bangkok seized 1,878 food items from 12 Chinese supermarkets due to non-compliance with Thai language labelling regulations. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) led the inspections following numerous public complaints. The inspection, which took place yesterday, revealed that 73 categories of food items lacked the mandatory Thai language labels, raising public…
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Ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport injures two foreign children
A ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport‘s security checkpoint injured two foreign children yesterday at 7.55am. Medical staff at the airport quickly administered first aid to the injured children. The first child, from the Netherlands, sustained minor injuries to the back of his hand, while the second, from China, suffered a head injury. The Dutch child and his family decided…
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Police seize 1.3 million meth pills, arrest gang members in Bangkok
Police seized 1.3 million methamphetamine (meth) pills and 3 kilogrammes of ketamine, arresting two members of the Rong Mueang Gang in Bangkok. The suspects confessed to receiving the drugs from Ban Phaeo district in Samut Sakhon. The Police Patrol and Special Operations Division 191 held a press conference yesterday, August 2 at 3pm to announce the arrests. The suspects, 34…
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Police seize six million crystal meth pills in Pathum Thani bust
Police apprehended a significant drug haul of six million methamphetamine (meth) pills and 365 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) in Pathum Thani after the traffickers stopped for a meal. The operation was led by Kittirat Phanphet, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Samran Nuanma, Assistant Commissioner-General. Following a tip-off, police tracked a drug smuggling gang transporting a large…
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Former Thai singer urges peaceful talks amidst fraud claims
Thai singer-turned-businessman Aerk Lederer has responded to accusations from model Lily Nguyen and other fraud victims, urging them to stop making threats and to communicate peacefully. Lederer insists he has never tried to escape and blames the lack of a resolution on their inability to agree. During a recent episode of the popular talk show Noon Krasae, hosted by renowned…
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Trucks run out of fuel, causing major traffic on Rama IX overpass
Three trucks ran out of fuel, causing significant traffic congestion on the Rama IX overpass during peak evening hours. This incident, which occurred yesterday, sparked a flurry of criticism on social media. Reports from FM91Trafficpro stated that at 4.15pm yesterday, August 2, three trucks were found parked end-to-end on the Rama IX overpass heading towards Din Daeng. Initially, there was…
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Cotti Coffee gains ground in Thailand with affordable menu
Cotti Coffee, a popular Chinese coffee franchise, is making waves in Thailand with its affordable menu starting at just 55 baht. The franchise currently operates eight branches in Bangkok, contributing to the growing presence of Chinese brands in the country. Chinese products are becoming increasingly common in major Thai cities, with a variety of items such as clothing, food, and…
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Sinkhole in Lak Si district disrupts traffic near Ministry of Justice
A sinkhole on Chaeng Watthana Road near the Ministry of Justice in Lak Si district has caused significant traffic disruptions. Temporary steel plates have been placed to cover the affected area, and permanent repairs were scheduled at 10pm last night. The JS100 Radio Facebook page posted images and a report detailing the sinkhole situation yesterday at 5.50pm. The incident occurred…
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Diver’s body found near Samut Prakan estuary
A fishing boat discovered a body wearing diving gear and an oxygen tank floating in the sea near the mouth of the Samut Prakan estuary. Rescue teams coordinated with the marine police, who retrieved the body and brought it ashore. The deceased was identified as Suttana, an employee who had been diving with his colleagues in rough seas. Authorities from…
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Storm topples inflatable house, children tumble out safely (video)
A sudden storm toppled an inflatable house, sending children tumbling as onlookers rushed to help. TikTok user @bawputhai101 posted a video clip yesterday showing the incident. The video captured the inflatable house set up with children playing inside while adults supervise. The atmosphere appears overcast, hinting at an impending rainstorm. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind hits from behind, flipping…
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Thai boy loses father while caring for disabled grandparents
An 11 year old Thai boy has been caring for his bedridden father and disabled grandparents in Ban Nachomphu, Udon Thani province, received the news that his father passed away. Chokanan Rungkul, known as Nong X, who has had to stop attending school to look after his family, faced the tragic loss of his 36 year old father, Suksan Rungkul,…
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329 scam phone numbers from Chinese call centre gang released
Police have released a list of 329 phone numbers used by a Chinese call centre gang to scam victims. Police urge the public to report any contact from these numbers immediately. Police from the Provincial Police Region 2 Investigation Division revealed these 329 phone numbers connected to call centre scams yesterday, August 2. The gang was known for installing SIM…
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